1. Veteran Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66 After Cancer Battle
Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer. His daughter Kira confirmed the death during an emotional livestream, while veteran actor Jide Kosoko announced that Hassan died at 3 p.m.
Ogogo’s Final Days
Hassan’s remains were taken to his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, where a lying-in-state ceremony is scheduled for Monday morning at the Pavilion in Ilaro, followed by Islamic burial rites.
Born on October 31, 1959, Ogogo built a decades-long career in Yoruba-language theatre and film after leaving his job as an automobile mechanic. He became one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba cinema, with colleagues, fans and public figures paying tribute following his death.
His family had appealed for specialised medical assistance days before his death after doctors reportedly determined that chemotherapy was no longer viable.
2. Former Adamawa Governor Bindow Returns to APC Ahead of 2027
Former Adamawa State Governor Muhammed Umar Jibrilla Bindow has returned to the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections. Bindow completed his re-registration at his ward in Mubi on Sunday after consultations with political associates, Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Bola Tinubu.
Bindow Backs Tinubu
The former governor, who had previously left the APC and later associated with the African Democratic Congress, said he decided to return after extensive consultations.
Bindow endorsed APC candidates for the 2027 elections, including President Tinubu at the federal level and the party’s governorship candidate in Adamawa.
Party stakeholders welcomed his return, describing it as a boost to the APC’s political structure and mobilisation efforts in the state.
3. Tinubu Renews Tenure of NTA DG and NAN Managing Director
President Bola Tinubu has renewed the appointments of Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos as Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority and Ali Mohammed Ali as Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria for another three years.
New Three-Year Term
The renewed appointments will take effect on October 20, 2026, following the completion of their first terms, which began on the same date in 2023.
Dembos joined the NTA as an announcer in 1989 and later became a senior media administrator, while Ali is a veteran journalist with more than three decades of experience.
Tinubu urged both executives to continue strengthening their organisations and delivering on their statutory responsibilities.
4. Police Confirm Abduction of Kwara Traditional Ruler
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, the Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, by armed bandits.
Security Forces Launch Rescue Operation
The monarch was abducted after gunmen invaded Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area at about 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo said soldiers, police officers, vigilantes, hunters and other security personnel had launched a search-and-rescue operation to locate the monarch.
The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in Kwara South, where rural communities and traditional institutions have faced attacks in recent times.
5. ISWAP Executes Senior Commander Amid Leadership Crisis
The Islamic State West Africa Province has reportedly executed a senior Shura Council member, Yaa Saleh, following an internal disciplinary dispute within the terrorist group.
Leadership Tensions Deepen
Intelligence reports indicated that Saleh, who served as Zakkah Amir across areas including Gudumbali, Kareto and Gubio, was accused of repeatedly disobeying directives from ISWAP leadership.
The execution comes amid other command changes and disciplinary measures within the group as Nigerian security forces maintain pressure on terrorist networks around the Lake Chad region.
Security sources believe the internal purges could affect the group’s cohesion and operational capacity.
6. Atiku Accuses Tinubu Government of Worsening Poverty
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of worsening poverty and hardship through its economic policies.
Atiku Attacks Economic Reforms
Atiku linked the situation to the removal of petrol subsidy and what he described as excessive government borrowing.
The former vice president argued that ordinary Nigerians had borne the impact of the reforms without receiving sufficient relief.
The Presidency and supporters of the Tinubu administration have defended the reforms as necessary measures for improving fiscal stability and reducing long-term economic pressures.
The disagreement is expected to remain a major issue as political parties prepare for the 2027 presidential election.
7. APC Wins All 13 Chairmanship Seats in Ebonyi LG Election
The All Progressives Congress has won all 13 chairmanship positions in the Ebonyi State local government elections.
APC Consolidates Grassroots Control
The party also secured the overwhelming majority of councillorship seats, further strengthening its control of grassroots political structures across the state.
The results come as political parties intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The outcome is expected to influence future political alignments and campaign structures in Ebonyi.
8. Bandits Attack Zamfara Community, Kill Residents and Burn Houses
Suspected bandits attacked a community in Zamfara State, killing several residents and setting houses ablaze before withdrawing from the area.
Security Forces Respond
Local accounts said the attack left families displaced and destroyed property, with security forces subsequently mobilised to the affected community.
The incident adds to the continuing security challenges across Zamfara and other North-West states, where residents face recurring attacks, kidnappings and destruction of livelihoods.
Authorities have continued to promise stronger operations against armed groups operating in the region.
9. Dangote Refinery Expands Free Petrol Delivery Programme
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expanded its free petrol delivery programme for bulk buyers to additional states as part of efforts to reduce distribution costs and improve access to locally refined products.
More States Added
Eligible marketers purchasing the required minimum volume can receive free transportation and a 10-day credit facility under the programme.
The scheme has expanded beyond Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Kaduna, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory to states including Kano, Imo, Anambra and Nasarawa.
The initiative could reduce logistics costs for marketers and potentially ease pressure on petrol prices as domestic supply from the refinery increases.
10. Premier League Season Opens With Strong Nigerian Interest
The new Premier League season has begun with Brighton moving to the top of the table and Liverpool securing a draw away at Newcastle.
Nigerian Fans Follow Opening Weekend
The opening fixtures attracted significant attention from Nigerian football fans, particularly around clubs with large followings in the country and the performances of African players.
Early-season results, tactical changes and transfer developments have dominated football discussions as clubs settle into the new campaign.
The opening weekend has set the stage for another closely followed Premier League season among Nigerian supporters.
